Columns & Editorials

While spending more time at home, you may have noticed the little things that need to be fixed, and small ways you can improve the appearance and functionality of your home. So why not use this time to test your skills with a few DIY projects?

It has been said, “Life’s a gamble,” however; we can take actions in life that tip the odds in our favor. Our children’s education has been in turmoil since Spring. Many parents are betting that school returns to normal by the end of the year. Here’s a question for all parents: Is waiting to see what happens a gamble you are willing to take with your children’s education?

This fall semester is unlike any experienced in recent history, with some students learning at home, and teachers facing new challenges to keep students engaged.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education, more than 170 foods have been reported to cause allergic reactions. However, many of the serious allergic reactions to food can be traced to eight allergens in particular. These allergens include crustacean shellfish, eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. If it seems as though food allergies in children have increased in recent years, they have. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report that, between 1997 and 2011, the prevalence of food allergies in children increased by 50 percent. Though some people may only experience an itchy mouth or a few hives after eating food they’re allergic to, symptoms of allergic reactions to food can be severe and may include anaphylaxis, which occurs suddenly and can cause death. Anaphylaxis can produce a host of frightening symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and weak pulse. Food allergies often resolve during childhood, though FARE® notes that today’s youngsters appear to be outgrowing their food allergies more slowly than kids did in the past.

Life is short or long depending on how the day is unfolding. Many fleeting moments linger longer in memories then some weeks or months of activities which for students can look like a glorious smile when they receive a test back with the hoped-for grade or the shy look a new student gives his or her classmates.

The Texas Historical Commission (THC) denied a permit request from the City of San Antonio to relocate “Spirit of Sacrifice,” a 1936 cenotaph honoring Texian and Tejano soldiers who died at the 1836 Battle of the Alamo.

The Mesquite Arts Council has been awarded a $10,000 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant for support of Arts Engagement in American Communities. The funds will support the Mesquite Arts Council’s new virtual and online programming which include MAC Doodles, Virtual Workshops and the Tote-and-Go program.

After an absence of almost seven months, Vivian and I decided to venture out to the Cinema after checking out their rules to keep us safe. Everything in print sounded as safe as possible, other than not attending, and with a little prodding from my “brave” wife, I agreed that it was time to go back to a little entertainment near normal!

The City of Mesquite announced Cindy Smith as their new Director of Finance effective October 1. Smith, a Certified Government Financial Manager and Certified in Public Management, brings more than 16 years of financial and administrative experience to the city.

“It means to love God more than your puppies,” says Tori, 7.

America is having a lot of violence in the cities today. Most of it is heartless and cruel. It appears that the human nature has been let loose and some people are just letting out what is inside of them.

Dear Aunt B Readers,

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a dumpster fire of a year. There’s practically zero debate on that topic. Even 2020 won’t argue with me. Sure, there’s always hope and there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, albeit a fluorescent light that makes your shoelaces glow in the dark. It’s just that the hits keep on coming. And, I find myself saying all the things that women my age swore we would NEVER say, you know, old people stuff. The other day I told my husband that I was sure glad my father wasn’t here to see this. Facepalm. That’s definitely something old people say. But, it’s true! I can’t fathom my sweet old daddy trying to wear a mask to get into the Dollar Tree or hearing that Luby’s is closing or trying to enter through the wrong end of a Walmart. Then again, he did have a tendency to surprise me.